Insta-Park

Sandie Maxa

Thanks to Rebar for the image.

Rebar, a creative collective based in San Franciso has completed their first PARK(ing) intervention: an experiment in "reprogramming a typical unit of private vehicular space by leasing a metered parking spot for public recreational activity." Basically, they load up a truck, find an empty parking space, roll out some sod and a bench and "rent" a sunny spot in downtown San Francisco for two hours and $1.50.

I like this idea. The idea of repurposing a segment of space that has a specific use. The idea of blurring the lines between private and public space. And the idea of a mobile park that can be trucked to different areas at the whim of the builders.

This project's web site shows concept sketches of the idea, a photographic timeline and video of the installation. Also included is a how-to manual for making your own park. (The irony being that one must park a truck at an adjacent meter to unload supplies.)

According to the "Making of..." video no one from the city of San Francisco was notified before the park was installed and no one asked them to leave or interfered with the project.

for what this loses in practicality (hauling a ton of goods to a location and setting up / taking down within two hours) it makes up in nose-thumbing moxy and ingenuity.

i have to question whether or not this actually blurs the line between public and private space. a parking space and a park are both public realms. this piece would be very different if someone put up a fence-surrounded 'backyard' in a parking space.

by public vs. private i meant that parking spaces are usually paid for by individuals for their private vehicles. in general, passersby (the public) does not sit or stand near a vehicle that is parked (and not their own). in the project, an individual pays the meter and "rents" the space for anyone who wishes to use it.